One of Ed Miliband's key aides is allegedly paid by Labour depite not having a
work permit

Conservatives have called for border officials to investigate Labour party advisor who is alleged to be working in the UK illegally.

Arnie Graf was invited from his native US to mastermind Labour’s 2015 election campaign but due to strict home office rules he was only granted a business visa which does not allow for him to be paid a salary.

Labour has insisted that it has not paid regular wages to Mr Graf and that he has the correct visa for his activities. They say he is not paid for his work but acknowledge he is reimbursed for expenses and loss of earnings during his visits to the UK.

Priti Patel, a Tory MP, has written to David Wood, director general of immigration enforcement, demanding an investigation into Mr Graf's status.

Her letter asked the Home Office "to urgently investigate the case of Mr Arnie Graf, who I believe may be working in the UK illegally.”

She added: “Mr Graf advises the Labour Party on campaigning, and visits the UK on a business visa. Mr Graf is also quoted as saying that he works with Ed Miliband.

"The Labour Party are on record as stating that they 'reimburse him for lost earnings and expenses'. I believe that this reimbursement for lost earnings constitutes Mr Graf taking paid employment, and would ask that you investigate whether this breaches the terms of his visa.”

Miss Patel said she was concerned by the length of time Mr Graf has spent in the UK and asked whether it has breached the six-month time limit that apply to his business visa.

Labour said Mr Graf was not employed by the party and did not live in the UK, but only visited "a couple of times a year".

A Labour Party spokesman said: "Arnie Graf has a visa which allows him to enter the UK for permitted business activities. These activities have been fully disclosed to the UK immigration authorities when obtaining the visa.

"He is not employed by the Labour Party but advises us on campaigns and we reimburse him for lost earnings and expenses."